Pro-golfer's Simple, Powerful Comment Normalizes Periods Beautifully

Watch this 30 second video. Simply beautiful and well delivered, her response.

Lydia Ko praised for talking about period after surprising reporter with honest answer - CNN
"Golf's world No. 3 Lydia Ko has been praised for her honest answer about being on her period which left her interviewer lost for words.

During the final round of the Palos Verdes Championship on Sunday, Ko could be seen receiving treatment from her physical therapist Chris Wicker for an apparent tight back.

Having completed her round and posting a one-under 70 to finish tied for third, the New Zealand player was asked by Golf Channel reporter Jerry Foltz about the trainer, his treatment and if there was any long-term concern.

"I hope not," Ko said. "It's that time of the month.

"I know the ladies watching are probably like: 'Yeah, I got you.' So, when that happens, my back gets really tight, and I'm all twisted. It's not the first time that Chris (Wicker) has seen me twisted, but it felt a lot better after he came. So, yeah, there you go."

The 17-time LPGA Tour winner's answer took Foltz by surprise. He stuttered as he stumbled for an appropriate response before managing to say: "Thanks."

Ko was able to laugh off any awkwardness, saying with a smile: "I know you're at a loss for words, Jerry. Honesty it is."
...
Ko's openness about her period, a topic in women's sports that is often seen as taboo, earned her a huge swell of praise on social media."
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I've watched the video at least five times and read coverage in 3-4 websites. : ) The moment where the reporter mumbles a "Thanks" has me LOL. : )

Periods still remain a taboo topic. Such responses from sportspersons go a long way in normalizing it. Women should be able to talk like that about the impact of periods on their body. They should not feel like they are making a fuss or excuses if they mention any periods related discomfort.

 

Thank you for the response, @beautifullife30. I have to say it brought back memories of a time when life was simpler and less complicated. Was that good or bad, how good or how bad, is a separate matter and depends on each person and family.

Treating is as just part of life and routine is nice and how it should be. The woman not having a say over who all know her monthly calendar is the drawback.

Women get the rest, women are cherished and taken care of is nice. Without these practices women might not receive those things in traditional houses. Yet, it takes away a lot of choice and autonomy from the woman. Aside from all knowing her personal stuff, there is this: if she feels energetic in those days and wants to do stuff around the house, she is not allowed to.

I am so glad you wrote what you did and how you wrote it. It highlights a key point: woman may have had to sit aside for those days whether they want the rest or not, but the periods topic itself was not taboo or discussed in an embarrassed manner.

This too. I've seen it in my relatives and friends circle - if the man grew up in a household where his mother and sisters did not receive or expect any special care or accommodations during periods, and if his wife talks about the discomfort etc. he might say, "but in house my mother and sisters never said anything about this." : ) : )

That black polythene or brown paper bag that the cashier/store keeper offers for sanitary napkins -- that I think is more a courtesy. They might offer the same to anyone buying personal items like a packet of condoms, pregnancy tests, lubricants etc. We don't want to be seen carrying that item in public. Just like, we might hang some clothes to dry openly, but we prefer to hide undergarments.

 

I got to experience that anonymity when I lived in the college hostel and later apartment with roommates in my first job. It felt good.

Living in the U.S., I realize has made me so private about things or reluctant to talk about some things. These are questions that my relatives and childhood friends in India routinely ask each other but I was shocked when they asked me:
salary, how often intimate, still intimate, TTC, what all done so far for the delay in conceiving, periods still regular or menopause started?